If you are feeling anxious about your ability to do
what God has called you to do, that means you are putting your confidence in
the wrong place.
Just think about that for a moment. Now, I want you to imagine how Peter must have felt in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus was standing out on the lake, and told him to come.
Really imagine it.
It was already spooky enough to see Jesus, which the disciples initially mistook for a ghost, doing the impossible by resting his feet on liquid, without going under. Then, after Peter got out there at the Lord's command and stood on top of the lake too, without rapidly plunging beneath its surface, he was no doubt confused. He had no explanation. None of this was making any sense.
There he was, doing something supernatural, but could not account for how it was all happening. This was crazy!
I want you to envision this expansive body of water. Hear the loud crashing of the waves. Picture yourself swaying, rocking back and forth, standing on top of unstable water. Imagine the frightening sound of howling winds, threatening to blow you over and drown you at any moment.
That’s pretty intimidating, right?
Putting yourself in his shoes, it is a lot easier to see why Peter, one of Christ’s most vocal and boisterous disciples, who briefly walked on water, shortly thereafter, panicked and began sinking.
Just like him, we make the mistake of focusing on what we have to do, instead of looking at who told us to do it. Though the assignment may seem difficult, if we keep in mind that there is nothing too hard for the One who gave us the assignment, we’ll be alright.
In other words, if God said go, all you have to do is step out in faith and He will bring you safely to your destination. There is no need to focus on the conditions. Rather, keep your eyes on God, who has the power to exert authority over any circumstance.
Why fear the wind, when the wind is obedient to the One who told you to go forward despite its forceful push?
See how that works?
Friend, only the Lord is able to do anything, not us.
Our personal capabilities are limited. But that’s okay, because the One who goes before us, has power that is limitless. That makes all the difference.
But, far too often, we fret over all we don’t have, instead of trusting in the Father, who has everything.
Here is what you need to do instead: stop wrestling and start resting.
To wrestle means to struggle, fight, grapple, or to contend with someone or something. While resting is to relax, lean, or repose. These are two completely opposite states of being.
When we stop resting in God, trusting Him as our source, and looking to Him as our ultimate supply, we begin an unhealthy tug-of-war—wresting.
Suddenly, we are engaged in an ongoing fight with ourselves; negative thoughts in our minds; our critics and enemies; and other adverse circumstances all around us, that threaten to choke out our faith.
Being perpetually stressed, fearful and fretful, however, is not God’s will for His children.
He wants us to maintain an attitude of faith and confidence in His sovereign will, and His unwavering ability to do the impossible. To help you remember this, I’m stirring Matthew 14:31b NIV into your cup of inspiration, which contains the words Jesus said to Peter after saving him from sinking: “‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, that is the question for you.
Why doubt?
No matter how dire your circumstances, they have no power to overthrow what God has spoken over your life. This is why there is no need to doubt or be afraid.
The Lord is the final authority.
If He said get out there and do it, even if it doesn't make sense, that means, He has already equipped you to be victorious over any opposition or adversity. It is not your job to figure out how. Just believe in the One who sent you.
Now let’s pray.
God, today I ask that You would help me stop wrestling and start resting in You. I don’t want to give into worry, fear, doubt, or stress. Despite what circumstances I may be facing right now, please help me to trust in Your unfailing power to complete Your good work in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
